Washington Respiratory Therapist Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$140
Renewal: $110 · Temp license available
Credential
NBRC
Required national certification
Renewal
30 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Washington does not participate in an interstate compact for respiratory therapy. Travelers must obtain an individual Washington license through the endorsement process before practicing in the state, regardless of what licenses they hold elsewhere.
Endorsement Process
Washington uses an online portal endorsement process for respiratory therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $140 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application via Washington board portal
- Request license verification from current state (via NBRC or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Complete any state-specific requirements (jurisprudence exam, background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
License verification is handled through Direct state-to-state verification form sent by each prior credentialing jurisdiction; NBRC verification only applies if the applicant is using the National Certification route (separate from endorsement of an out-of-state license). Washington requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a respiratory therapist license, so request verification early to avoid delays.
Background check requirements vary by applicant — confirm the current fingerprinting and screening steps with the Washington State Department of Health - Respiratory Care Practitioner Program (Health Systems Quality Assurance). Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
Jurisprudence Exam Required: Washington requires a mandatory Respiratory Therapy Jurisprudence Examination covering Washington-specific law. This cannot be waived regardless of your experience level or compact status. Schedule this early — no license (temporary or permanent) will issue until you've passed it.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Washington State Department of Health - Respiratory Care Practitioner Program (Health Systems Quality Assurance) website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $140 |
| Renewal | $110 (every 2 years) |
Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting. Many staffing agencies, including Fusion Medical Staffing, offer licensure reimbursement programs to help offset these expenses.
Temporary License
Washington issues temporary respiratory therapy licenses, allowing respiratory therapists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed. For travelers, this is often the fastest path to starting an assignment.
Eligibility requirements:
- Current valid respiratory therapist license in another US state or Washington
- Completed endorsement application submitted to Washington board
- Proof of NBRC certification or equivalent professional credential
- Pass background check requirements
Issuance timeline:
- Complete endorsement application received by board
- License verification from previous state received and validated
- Background check initiated or cleared
- Applicant demonstrates active practice in previous jurisdiction
Denial risks:
- Criminal history or felony conviction related to healthcare or patient safety
- Revocation or surrender of license in previous state
- Failure to pass background check or disqualifying findings
- False or incomplete information on endorsement application
Important for travelers: Temporary license is automatically revoked upon issuance of permanent license or upon denial of endorsement application. Temporary license expires if permanent endorsement is denied; no extension is granted. Engaging in unlicensed practice outside scope of temporary license authorization can trigger immediate revocation. If temporary license holder commits reportable offense during validity period, revocation may occur before permanent license decision is made.
Processing Time
Washington respiratory therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-8 weeks to process. The timeline is subject to moderate variability depending on the completeness of your application and external factors.
In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3–4 weeks (if all documents complete, background check clears immediately, and application hits next board batch).
Common sources of delay:
- Board processes applications in batches; applications submitted after the cutoff may wait 4–6 weeks for next review cycle
- License verification from previous state via NBRC or direct board request can add 1–3 weeks if the originating state is slow to respond
- Background check processing (state-specific requirement) can add 2–4 weeks if flagged for manual review
- Missing or incomplete continuing education documentation from previous licensure period triggers requests for clarification, adding 1–2 weeks
Washington does not offer an expedited processing track. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.
Continuing Education
Washington requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for respiratory therapist license renewal.
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Washington may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $110
- Renewal timing: Prior to license holder's birth date.
- Traveler tip: Track your Washington license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Washington State Department of Health - Respiratory Care Practitioner Program (Health Systems Quality Assurance)
Frequently Asked Questions
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Requirements and processes can change frequently. Healthcare professionals are strongly encouraged to verify details directly with Washington State Department of Health - Respiratory Care Practitioner Program (Health Systems Quality Assurance)'s official website.
Resources
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